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March 2016

Automotive Industry Reaches Cruising Altitude

The automotive industry has reached an inflection point and the entire manufacturing value chain will need to change the way it traditionally does business to remain profitable and be prepared for a future downturn. Here’s why.

The automotive industry has reached an inflection point and the entire manufacturing...

Waste Not, Want Not

With Video

Planned downtime for preventive maintenance in the welding operation is not time wasted. Here are some crucial maintenance tips that help optimize MIG gun performance, keep production flowing smoothly and avoid unplanned downtime. 

Planned downtime for preventive maintenance in the welding operation is not time...

Laser Marking 101

With Video

How do you choose the appropriate laser for your marking applications? Here are several factors that must be considered and how they impact the end results.

How do you choose the appropriate laser for your marking applications? Here...

Aluminum: The New Metal in Automotive Fabrication

With Video

As aluminum costs drop, the material is finding new applications that push the envelope on how much of this metal can be used in the structural makeup of a vehicle – with no end in sight.

As aluminum costs drop, the material is finding new applications that push...

Sorting Out Aluminum Sawing

With Video

When choosing the best saw for cutting aluminum it’s important to consider your application. While both circular and band saw methods can effectively cut aluminum, it pays to weigh all of these factors before deciding which saw is best for your operation.

When choosing the best saw for cutting aluminum it’s important to consider...

CO2 Replacement Optics for Thin Metal Lasers

OEM compatible, field-replacement CO2 laser lenses from Laser Research Optics are ideal for popular lasers used for fabricating air vents, filters, signs and related applications.

OEM compatible, field-replacement CO2 laser lenses from Laser Research Optics are ideal...

Laser Marking 101

With Video

How do you choose the appropriate laser for your marking applications? Here are several factors that must be considered and how they impact the end results.

How do you choose the appropriate laser for your marking applications? Here...

Dealing with Confidentiality Agreements

Because customers, suppliers and employees change more frequently than in the past, the use of Confidentiality Agreements is growing as manufacturers protect their intellectual property in materials development, automation, fabrication and machining processes, and other trade secrets that are not patented. Here are some points to consider when asking for and receiving protection under Confidentiality Agreements.  

Because customers, suppliers and employees change more frequently than in the past,...

Siemens Opens 3D Printing Plant for Metal Components

The new plant in Sweden will do rapid prototyping, manufacturing and repair of components in industrial gas turbines for the power industry.

The new plant in Sweden will do rapid prototyping, manufacturing and repair...

AM Opportunities in the Metals Industry

Shops cannot ignore how additive manufacturing may disrupt parts of the metals supply chain.

Shops cannot ignore how additive manufacturing may disrupt parts of the metals...

A New Skill for Sheet Metal Workers

Lagging is in demand at power plants, nuclear power sites, paper mills, steel mills, refineries and other facilities.

Lagging is in demand at power plants, nuclear power sites, paper mills,...

Torch Height Control for Automated Plasma Cutting Applications

Here’s why accurate control of the torch to work distance during all phases and types of plasma cutting operations can be the key to dramatic improvements in cut quality, consumable life, as well as productivity and throughput of the cutting machine.

Here's why accurate control of the torch to work distance during all...

Under the Hood: Automotive Machining

With Video

New powertrain components. More sensors and electronics parts. Increasing part complexity. Difficult to cut materials. Faster delivery. How do automotive suppliers navigate to profitability through this stormy sea of lightweighting and driverless cars? 

New powertrain components. More sensors and electronics parts. Increasing part complexity. Difficult...

Dealing with Confidentiality Agreements

Because customers, suppliers and employees change more frequently than in the past, the use of Confidentiality Agreements is growing as manufacturers protect their intellectual property in materials development, automation, fabrication and machining processes, and other trade secrets that are not patented. Here are some points to consider when asking for and receiving protection under Confidentiality Agreements.  

Because customers, suppliers and employees change more frequently than in the past,...

Haas Debuts Formula One Racecar

The Ferrari-powered Haas VF-16 has been revealed to the world at the Circuit de Barcelona – Catalunya.

The Ferrari-powered Haas VF-16 has been revealed to the world at the...

Industry Standards Are Evolving Faster Than Ever

With Video

For auto body shops or tractor repair facilities to effectively keep up with the new demands being driven by fuel economy mandates and remain profitable, they must invest in easy to use equipment that is capable of welding both steel and aluminum.

For auto body shops or tractor repair facilities to effectively keep up...

Waste Not, Want Not

With Video

Planned downtime for preventive maintenance in the welding operation is not time wasted. Here are some crucial maintenance tips that help optimize MIG gun performance, keep production flowing smoothly and avoid unplanned downtime. 

Planned downtime for preventive maintenance in the welding operation is not time...

Dealing with Confidentiality Agreements

Because customers, suppliers and employees change more frequently than in the past, the use of Confidentiality Agreements is growing as manufacturers protect their intellectual property in materials development, automation, fabrication and machining processes, and other trade secrets that are not patented. Here are some points to consider when asking for and receiving protection under Confidentiality Agreements.  

Because customers, suppliers and employees change more frequently than in the past,...

Training Welders in Oman

Kemper supplies all of the occupational safety equipment, including welding cabins, fume extraction and filter systems.

Kemper supplies all of the occupational safety equipment, including welding cabins, fume...

Considerations When Selecting a Filler Metal (Part Two)

With Video

Although the effect of various elements in filler metals can be rather complex, a review of their general properties can also help welding operators determine which filler metal is ideal for the job. It is important to consider the properties needed in a completed weld when making the filler metal selection.

Although the effect of various elements in filler metals can be rather...

Matching Filler Metals to Stainless Steels

With Video

Welding stainless remains complicated. Besides paying close attention to heating and cooling the stainless, the filler metal must be properly matched to the base metal with electrodes of the same grade. 

Welding stainless remains complicated. Besides paying close attention to heating and cooling...

Keeping Cool in the Heat of Change

Automotive suppliers are searching for new metalworking fluids to help them reduce their manufacturing costs and improve the processing of tough new metals and alloys under stricter environmental regulations. Here are some of the latest products for them to consider.

Automotive suppliers are searching for new metalworking fluids to help them reduce...

Stand and Deliver

With Video

With delivery systems that include pinpoint stream, flexible reach, precise control, wide spray and soak, the Power of Five from WD-40 is a must-have in your maintenance shop.

With delivery systems that include pinpoint stream, flexible reach, precise control, wide...

Let the Good Parts Roll

Through less downtime replacing fluid, less wear and fewer tool replacements, this breakthrough fluid formulation helps machines produce more parts and generate higher revenue over the life of the equipment.

Through less downtime replacing fluid, less wear and fewer tool replacements, this...

It Only Takes a Spark

With Video

Sparks may be unavoidable in your operations, but fires are not. Effective spark arrestance and fire suppressant technologies can dramatically reduce your potential fire risks. Here’s how.

Sparks may be unavoidable in your operations, but fires are not. Effective...

Automotive Industry Reaches Cruising Altitude

The automotive industry has reached an inflection point and the entire manufacturing value chain will need to change the way it traditionally does business to remain profitable and be prepared for a future downturn. Here’s why.

The automotive industry has reached an inflection point and the entire manufacturing...

How the Right Offline Tool Presetter Affects a Shop

With Video

The old saying “it won’t make chips – not worth it” doesn’t apply anymore. Considering the accelerating pace of change in technology and the relentless competition your shop faces, how can you possibly afford not to use a presetter?

The old saying “it won’t make chips – not worth it” doesn’t...

Dealing with Confidentiality Agreements

Because customers, suppliers and employees change more frequently than in the past, the use of Confidentiality Agreements is growing as manufacturers protect their intellectual property in materials development, automation, fabrication and machining processes, and other trade secrets that are not patented. Here are some points to consider when asking for and receiving protection under Confidentiality Agreements.  

Because customers, suppliers and employees change more frequently than in the past,...

Cutting Tool Data Exchange is Now Public

CAM and PLM software users can now access and share tool classification, class drawings and pictures through the Generic Tool Catalog.

CAM and PLM software users can now access and share tool classification,...

Cutting Through Surface Noise: Easy Cylinder Head Inspection

With Video

This high-intensity, multidirectional lighting camera technology makes easy imaging of challenging part features on machined heads to provide a clear advantage for this automotive supplier.

This high-intensity, multidirectional lighting camera technology makes easy imaging of challenging part...

Lightweighting Absence of Malice: Inspecting for Tramps

With Video

Alloys from lighter-weight metals like aluminum, titanium and magnesium have chemical compositions that must be verified to ensure the absence of tramp elements that can lead to significant problems. This groundbreaking inspection technology identifies the amount of each element in an alloy – right on the shop floor.

Alloys from lighter-weight metals like aluminum, titanium and magnesium have chemical compositions...

Checking the Stamp of Quality on Powertrains

With Video

One automotive powertrain supplier uses this mobile inspection workstation from Creform for inspection, process and part checks, and the fulfillment of paperwork right at their stamping machines – right near the point where a quality check makes the most sense and can have the greatest impact.

One automotive powertrain supplier uses this mobile inspection workstation from Creform for...
Calendar & Events
Southeast Design – 2-Part Show
September 11 - 12, 2013
Greenville, SC
Mid-Atlantic Design – 2-Part Show
September 25 - 26, 2013
Phoenixville, PA
CMTS of Canada
September 30 - October 3, 2013
Mississauga, Canada
DISCOVER 2013
October 8 - 16, 2013
Florence, KY
Wisconsin Manufacturing and Technology Show
October 8 - 10, 2013
Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center Halls B&C
WESTEC 2013
October 15 - 17, 2013
Los Angeles, CA
SOUTH-TEC
October 29 - 31, 2013
Greenville, SC
New England Design-2-Part Show
October 30 - 31, 2013
Marlborough, MA
DMG / Mori Seiki Manufacturing Days
November 12 - 15, 2013
Mori Seiki Manufacturing – Davis, CA
FABTECH
November 18 - 21, 2013
McCormick Place – Chicago, IL
Midwest Design-2-Part Show
November 20 - 21, 2013
Northern Kentucky Convention Center – Covington, KY
PCD Tool Manufacturing
November 20, 2013
United Grinding North America – Fredricksburg, VA